Whole Foods Commits to GMO Labeling for all Foods by 2018

People who support the labeling of GMO (i.e., genetically modified organisms) ingredients just got their first win. Whole Foods Market listened to consumer wishes and has agreed to "full GMO transparency" by 2018.

According to a press release, Whole Foods will become the first supermarket chain in the U.S. to label all GMOs. GMO products are foods that were made using genetically modified organisms. Whole Foods knows that its customers want to be able to choose non-GMO items and is striving to make that a possibility with all grocery store products.

Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods, further explained the decision: "The prevalence of GMOs in the US paired with nonexistent mandatory labeling makes it very difficult for grocery stores to source non-GMO choices and for consumers to choose non-GMO products. Yet we know our customers care passionately." Some of the most popular items at Whole Foods are those that have been verified by the Non-GMO Project.

Whole Foods isn't the only supporter of GMO labeling. While the U.S. does not have labeling laws, more than 60 countries do require full packaging disclosure. This issue continues to be part of a national discussion. A bill to make GMO labeling mandatory in California failed in November despite the high percentage of people who support labeling throughout the country. Now Washington state is considering making GMO labeling part of its legislature.

Furthermore, an initiative called JustLabelIt.org has over 1.5 million signatures in support of a federal labeling law. Whole Foods doesn't want to wait for lawmakers to catch up to consumer preferences, so they are beginning their GMO labeling project now. Until all product labelling is completed in 2018, customers can avoid GMOs by purchasing organic items or Whole Foods products with the Non-GMO Project seal.

What do you think about GMOs? Do you think all GMO foods should be labeled?